XPLORing Me!
Leaving my friends and family again after being away for four years had me feeling all type of ways. I joked, “I want to move somewhere I haven’t lived before. And somewhere where I know no one.” Lord, behold, he heard my cry, and NBA XPLORcame falling in my lap.
I was apprehensive because my joke was about to become my new reality, a month after graduating college. I had doubt cross my mind because I didn’t know if I was truly ready for all that was about to happen. I spent many night tossing and turning because I didn’t know if I was making the right decision for me, or if I was doing this for everybody else around me.
As a perfectionist I feel like I have to be perfect, and I hate making mistakes. Honestly, I just didn’t want to fail. I didn’t want to let anyone down.
But then one day, I had a moment where God spoke to me and revealed that I can’t run anymore. So in that moment, I told myself that I would give XPLOR a chance because I want to XPLOR me. I want to see what I have to offer without the fear of being a disappointment or failure to those around me. I told myself that me running from my problems won’t ever solve anything. I told myself that I need to get out of my comfort zone and be open to growth.
XPLORing me was one of the best things I could have done. For the first time in my life, I have been able to focus on what Imani needs and wants for her life, without distractions. I have built relationships and friendships that will last forever.
XPLORing yourself seems scary, but how do you expect to grow if you never allow yourself to grow? XPLORing me gives me an opportunity to become in tune with who God has called me to be and allow me to walk into my destiny with confidence. XPLORing me has allowed me to open my mind to greater possibilities than I would have ever imagined.
2016 was my prep year to help me take back everything the devil thought he stole from me. And I am coming for it all and more in 2017. XPLORing me was the best thing I could have ever done, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store. Never give up on yourself because YOU are the only person standing in the way.
Imani Williams is a 2016-17 NBA XPLOR Resident in Dallas, TX, serving with Juliette Fowler Communities and Community Christian Church.
NBA XPLOR is a 10-month service residency opportunity for young adults ages 21-30, with the purpose of empowering young adults to discern and develop a “heart for care” as they live together in simple community, engage in direct service and justice work, engage in leadership development, and discern their vocational calls to honor the various communities they are called to serve. Learn more and apply at nbacares.org/xplor.
